For Your Family: 'Overuse Syndrome'

Baseball season officially starts this week for a lot of Chicago-area Little League and softball league teams, but for parents of young athletes, there are some new concerns. Doctors say they are seeing more "overuse syndrome" in children.

Dr. Greg Nicholson, a shoulder and elbow expert with Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush hospital visited ABC7 Chicago with some useful information on the issue.

How can parents protect their children from overuse syndrome?

- know the pitch count - learn proper throwing mechanics - watch for signs of psychological burn-out - watch for signs of pain or unusual body movements - don't play year-round - stretch and strengthen shoulder muscles before and after games - no weight training on game day